Astros announce Yordan Alvarez injury update as questions loom

Christopher Damond

Astros announce Yordan Alvarez injury update as questions loom image

Another injury update involving Astros’ star Yordan Alvarez, who hasn’t played in a game since May 2, was announced by the team today. Houston said the three-time All-Star “is going through a hitting progression” at its complex in Florida, and that he took batting practice on the field for the first time Saturday. 

Alvarez was originally placed on the 10-day injured list on May 5 due to right hand inflammation and later transferred to the 60-day IL on July 2. The lefty slugger initially tried to play through the injury, which at first looked like a muscle strain before later tests revealed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal. 

That likely influenced his .210/.306/.646 slash line with 3 homers and 18 RBI in 29 games this season. Still, the Astros were able to find success without him and currently hold a 66-52 record that leads the AL West. 

But the Mariners have won nine of their last 10 to close Houston’s division lead to just 0.5 games. The Astros have 13 players presently on the injured list, including right-hander Luis Garcia and third baseman Isaac Paredes. 

However, Alvarez’s return looms larger than any other player on that list. He’s been an essential piece of Houston’s title-contending teams, hitting the go-ahead home run in the 2022 World Series to secure the Astros’ championship. He also won the 2021 ALCS MVP award. 

Alvarez is a career .295 hitter in his six-plus seasons with Houston. He made his MLB debut in 2019.  

Christopher Damond

Christopher Damond is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2023 graduate of the University of Miami, where he was sports editor of the student newspaper. He's covered national sporting events for the Miami Herald, including the NCAA Men's Final Four, and has served in media relations roles for the Kansas City Royals and Miami Dolphins. Follow him @damond1chris.